SHAYNE FAIRMAN, STAR Writer

THE Jamaica Cycling Federation (JCF) elected a new leadership body at its annual general meeting last Saturday, which was held in the conference room of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) building on Phoenix Avenue, in Kingston.

Having been founded in the 1960s, the federation has been primarily responsible for the organisation and development of national cycling teams, as well as the growth and development of the sport.

Cycling here in Jamaica is broken down into three categories - mountain bike, road and track.

Newly elected JCF President, Kirk Finnikin says the federation will be hoping to take a new direction via a more inclusive approach.

"The association will be looking to the future of cycling in Jamaica. I see a more inclusive approach where amateurs, enthusiasts, and elite athletes are all afforded space within and support from the federation, thereby making us more diverse and ultimately stronger," said Finnikin.

He credited BMX racing as an example of what the federation's support can achieve.

"BMX racing is an up-and-coming sector of cycling in Jamaica, and we want to ensure that they have our full support so that this movement can be developed to the utmost potential," Finnikin stressed.

Other new members of the JCF executive include first vice-president Andrew Rousseau; second vice president, Michael Dawkins; general secretary, Dr Wayne Palmer; treasurer Marlon McCarthy and officers Dr Sandra Knight and Lavinia McClure.